What does “Story Can Change the World” mean?
We say this phrase a lot at Washington West. You will see it almost everywhere, from our red carpets to the backs of our t-shirts. “Story Can Change the World”
The Washington West Film Festival celebrates the transformative power of film by showcasing the best new films and talented filmmakers from around the globe. What makes Washington West unique is its culture, where stories aren’t just for the screen and story-tellers aren’t just the directors or actors who stand on stage after a film. This festival is a space that assumes everyone – every school teacher, attorney, trash collector, and doctor – can collectively create new, real-life stories of compassion and hope for a world that can be changed!
Washington West encourages its audiences to be more than spectators of story and to see themselves as story-creators, engaged in real-life impact. Every year, 100% of our net box office proceeds are given to projects which solve problems of hunger, illness, and poor education, making our audience members producers of real-life stories of hope.
Learn more about our festival and mission.
What are the dates for this year’s festival?
October 10-13 & 21, 2024
Where do Washington West Film Festival screenings and events take place?
The Washington West Film Festival events occur around the greater Washington, DC region. Our screenings will primarily operate in Tysons and Reston, VA.
Learn more about our screening and event locations.
Who attends the festival?
The Washington West Film Festival is open to the general public! With more than 40 films curated in our program, Washington West has something for everyone.
Learn more about our films and schedule.
How many films do you show? How many films can I see?
We’re showing 30 films during our festival weekend this year. We encourage our audience members to see multiple films during our festival!
Plan out your screening schedule.
What types of films and events do you put on?
We show feature films, documentaries, narratives, short films, and host Q&A panels, workshops, parties, and receptions.
Are the films rated?
Premiere and early run independent films without distribution have yet to receive a rating status. Most of our films have not been rated. Attendees must use their judgement in discerning the age appropriate level of all films. Film descriptions are made readily available and, when possible, trailers will be included to assist in your decision making process. Washington West is pleased to offer family-friendly screening opportunities.
When do tickets go on sale?
Public On-Sale: September 12, 2024
Learn more about Becoming a Sponsor or Becoming A Member.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased through our website. Links from the website will direct you to our Eventive page where you can purchase your tickets for the festival.
How much are tickets?
Tickets to the Washington West Film Festival vary depending on the type of screening or event. In general, ticket prices range from $20 (Regular Screenings) to $40 (Spotlight Screenings).
What is your refund and exchange policy?
All sales are final. In the event of a cancellation for which there is no rescheduled date, a refund for a ticket may be issued at the management’s sole option and may not include additional ticketing fees (i.e., ticketing operations fee, shipping fees, etc.).
What time should I arrive at the venue?
We suggest that audiences arrive to the venue no later than 10 minutes prior to the start of regular screenings. For the best available seats at our Spotlight screenings, we suggest audiences arrive no later than 30 to 45 minutes prior to the scheduled time. All theaters will open approximately 30 minutes before the event begins.
Are there reserved seats?
If you are not a member or sponsor, all screenings and events are general admission seating. Members and sponsors will have access to the reserved seating section in the theater. All theaters will open approximately 30 minutes before the event begins.
Please Note: Seats left unoccupied in the reserved seating area will be made available to the general public as early as 15 minutes prior to the start of the scheduled screening and/or event.
Learn more about Becoming a Sponsor or Becoming A Member.
What are the closest airports to the festival?
The two closest airports to the Washington West hubs in Reston and Arlington are Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
I need overnight accommodations. What hotels are most convenient?
For those needing overnight accommodations, we recommend staying at one of the following hotels during the festival.
DoubleTree by Hilton McLean Tysons
1960 Chain Bridge Road
McLean, Virginia, 22102, USA
1825 Capital One Dr S
Tysons, VA 22102